Page 83 of Bend (Bend & Break Duet 1)

“I haven’t seen him.”

And I should’ve at least called. But Beau had been my focus. She didn’t have anyone else. Joe had my other brothers and Ma to support him when I couldn’t pick up the slack.

“I can’t get ahold of him.”

I frowned. “Did you call the station?”

He rolled his eyes. “Yes, meathead. I called the station. He had the day off. Nobody’s talked to him.”

“Maybe he just needs a minute alone.” A lot had happened. Our family could be smothering. But Joe wasn’t a loner type.

Bam. Screeech.

The front door flew open and slammed into the wall.

“Ma! Where are ya? You got anything to eat?” Joe’s words were slurred as he stumbled into the living room.

He tripped over the carpet and fell face first, narrowly missing the coffee table.

“Oww.” He rubbed his forehead then rolled over on his back.

“Joseph Anthony Calhoun. What in the world is going on?” Ma marched out of the kitchen, hands on her hips.

Nina and Grace were right behind her, peering around to see what the commotion was about.

“Girls, go in the kitchen. Eat your supper before it gets cold,” Bobby said.

“What’s the matter with Uncle Joe?” Nina asked.

“In the kitchen.” Ma herded them to the table.

I took two steps toward Joe and got a whiff of whiskey. He smelled like he’d bathed in the stuff. The stale odor of cigarettes layered on top of it had me turning my head.

“Damn, Joe. Where you been?”

Bobby recoiled. “He’s gonna throw up. He always throws up.” He took off toward the kitchen.

I squatted and patted Joe’s cheek a couple times. He’d passed out.

I hope you didn’t drive here.

A loud snore sent another wave of the whiskey cigarette cocktail scent in my face.

“Joe.” I patted him a little harder. “Wake up.”

Bobby returned with a trash can. “He’s still got on his uniform.”

“It’s not like he has any other clothes,” I pointed out. They were all burned except for what I’d packed in his duffel.

“If he’s been at Donnovan's, I’m gonna have a word with Roy for not calling one of us. He shouldn’t have let Joe get in this shape.” Bobby bent forward and grabbed Joe’s shoulder. “Let’s get him on the couch. I’m not lugging his ass upstairs.”

“Ma will kill us if he gets sick on her sofa.”

He looked between Joe and the piece of furniture, then shrugged and let our brother fall back to the carpet.

I tried a few more times to wake him up. He swatted at me as he snored.

I looked out the front window. “Shit.”

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